Clean your gutters
During the winter your gutters work overtime diverting water melt from your roof top. Be sure your gutters are clean and not clogged with leaves and debris. If you need gutter guards installed to keep out future debris, give us a call, we’d be glad to help. Clean gutters make a happy foundation as water is diverted away from your home.
Keep water away from your foundation
Winter brings a substantial amount of water in various forms in the upper midwest. “Thank you mother nature” Whether Rain, Sleet, Hail or Snow, it’s critical to divert all water away from your home. It’s best to have an operational gutter system with downspouts directing all runoff 5-6 feet away from your homes foundation.
Another issue is snow pack. Be mindful of all of the snow that is raked off your eaves (to prevent ice dams, our next point) and lands next to your houses foundation. If this snow is not removed promptly you will eventually have a several ton ice cube that will slowly melt right next to your foundation in the spring. Also keeping snowpack away from the base of your home will allow water to run away from your foundation not to it.
Ice Dam
The midwest is an amazing part of the country but it comes with some challenges. Ice dams can be a big challenge if not addressed correctly. When snow falls on your roof, your home continues to release heat through the roof. That snow melts and water runs down to the eave of the home, where it refreezes. This eave area of the home is where ice dams happen and when they are not addressed promptly, will allow the melting roof water to pool up and seep under the shingles and into your home causing thousands of dollars in preventable damage.
The solution is simple. Any time there is 2+ inches of snow, using a roof rake from the ground, gently pull the fist 6’ of snow from the eaves of your roof. Be sure to be gentle and not allow the roof rake to scrape your shingles. If you do this each time, you will not have any issues with water leaking into your home. If you have further questions about preventing ice dams check our this article https://aurumcontracting.com/how-to-avoid-costly-ice-dam-damage/
Reverse Ceiling Fan
Make the switch. During the cooler months it’s a good idea to let your fan circulate the warm air in your home. This is done by changing the direction of the fan so it is pulling air up not pushing down. This creates and updraft that is not only economical but will help to keep windows from condensation.
Seal doors and windows
Small gaps and cracks can let heat out and cold in. Examine around interior doors and windows. If you feel a draft you should have it sealed up. Molding may need to be removed to get to the source of the draft. This is typically done with caulk and/or insulation. If you need help, give us a call. We’d be happy to help out.
Preparing your home for winter is a challenge but worth it. Aurum Contracting, based out of Beloit Wisconsin, specializes in roof repairs, siding and now interior/exterior painting. If you need a hand, give us a call today at (608) 466-6872.